In an effort to be healthier and look and feel better, we see too many people resort to extreme diets or overly intense exercise regimes and then ‘fall off the band wagon’ and wonder why they can’t keep it up for more than a couple of weeks. We see the most effective results in our members when they decide to make incremental lifestyle changes that are sustainable long-term.

To help you on your way, here are our best-practice tips to help you achieve a better waistline, a clear mind, an improved immunity and higher energy levels.

Practice optimism. Stop thinking of physical activity as a chore, and start thinking of it as a gateway to a happier, healthier life. Head to your Choices gym with confidence, and grab a workout buddy if you need a little motivation!

Avoid the temptation of the snooze button. There is little else more powerful than a good night’s sleep if you are looking to boost your energy levels throughout the day. Believe it or not, by hitting the snooze button you confuse both your mind and body. Those extra 5 minutes will leave you feeling groggy and will impact your ability to concentrate at work or at school.

Fuel your body properly! It’s absolutely true that what you put in you get out! To function well, your brain needs a good mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well, just like the other organs in your body. There are a number of “brain foods” you can eat such as, oily fish, coffee, blueberries, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, and nuts. Rather than counting every single calorie, just mindful of what you are putting into your body. Lean meats, leafy greens, nutritious grains, fruits and vegetables will make your mind and body very happy.

Keep Active. Exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, and look and feel better.

Many people who aren’t naturally sporty or who feel a bit lost in the gym may be left wondering – exactly what exercise should I be doing and how often should I be doing it?

That’s where our wonderful personal trainers at Choices come in! We have a number of professional personal trainers, who between them have many years of experience. Whatever your aim might be, whether it’s to tone up stubborn areas, improve your mobility, lose body fat, increase your fitness, our personal trainers can help you reach your individual goal. With a relaxed and friendly approach, each trainer will create a unique programme for every one of their clients, specific to your personal goals and requirements, whilst making it fun! It can really help to have that extra bit of guidance and support when trying to keep up good habits – so if this sounds like something you might be interested in, then feel free to pop down to one of our Choices Health Clubs today for a one-to-one consultation.